Lake birding habitat

Lake Needwood

Maryland · Northeast

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lake Needwood is a productive birding destination in Maryland, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

6/2/2026Lake Churchill, Germantown1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

6/2/2026Wootton's Mill Park1 observed

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

6/2/2026Lake Whetstone1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/2/2026BARC--North Farm (sanctioned groups only)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

6/2/2026Wheaton Branch Stormwater Ponds1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/2/2026stakeout Mississippi Kite, NE DC (2025)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Pileated Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

16/1/2026

American Crow

26/1/2026

American Goldfinch

36/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/1/2026

Canada Goose

305/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

35/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

45/31/2026

Fish Crow

45/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

65/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

75/31/2026

Barn Swallow

95/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lake Needwood for birding?
The best months to visit Lake Needwood for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lake Needwood?
Notable species at Lake Needwood include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lake Needwood?
Birding at Lake Needwood is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lake Needwood?
Lake Needwood offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.